NASA's Upgraded Megarocket Engines Set for Final Critical Testing

NASA is preparing to test the modified RS-25 engines that will power its Artemis Moon rocket. The engines, derived from the Space Shuttle program, have been redesigned to provide more power and be cheaper to produce. The upcoming tests will push the engines to 111 percent of their rated level, with a margin of operational safety. If successful, NASA will proceed with the production of 24 new RS-25 engines. Other components, such as the Solid Rocket Boosters and the European Service Module, will also need to be replaced for future Artemis missions.